Andy Jones on first team opportunities

Andy Jones has been praising the work of first team boss Paul Hurst for his work within the academy set up since he joined the club.

Ryan Sears and Ryan Barnett have both been regular in the first team matchday squad over the past few weeks and the manager regularly attends the youth team fixtures.

The academy manager is thoroughly pleased for the players who have been given the chance to be involved with Hurst’s squad.

“I keep saying how great the gaffer has been with utilising the young lads and it’s been a great experience for them both.

“It’s been great, well documented and well publicized for the lads that have been involved.”

Hurst regularly attends the youth games and Jones has praised him for his commitment to all aspects of the club.

“The gaffer normally sends himself or someone else to watch the youth team games, and it’s good for the lads, it’s good for them to have a bit of pressure on them to make sure that they’re performing well.

“The communication between myself and the gaffer has been very good since he arrived at the club, the lads have got an opportunity and it’s up to them to show him.”

Jones is also confident that Sears and Barnett won’t be the only academy players to force their way into the squad.

“We’ve got some other very good players in the academy who will hopefully come to fruition very soon, it’s a tough time and they’re all working really hard.”

Jones has also spoke of his pleasure in seeing the academy continue to be successful even during a busy and eventful time behind the scenes.

“With all the staff changes and the changes in infrastructure with the academy, it will take us a couple of months to get out of it.

“It’s been a learning curve for us all, it’s been a good month. Results have been good, performances have been good and hopefully we’ll continue that way.”